God’s Wisdom Defines and Protects Parents and Children
For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing but to us who are being saved it is the power of God…It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. Therefore, as it is written: “Let him who boasts boast in the LORD.” 1 Corinthians 1:18,30
A new school year makes us so aware of education and the part it plays in our children’s future place in the world. We want them to have the resources they need to grow their God-given abilities, wisdom, and skills.
God tells us that his wisdom is not in the wisdom of this world but in the cross of Jesus. The truth that Jesus died to take the punishment of our sin looks foolish to this world. He redeemed and brought us back to be his, at the price of his life. Jesus is our very life, now and forever. At the cross and by his Holy Spirit, Jesus gave us his righteousness and holiness which we cannot earn through good grades, accomplishments, or by how successful we are. God sees us through the cross and does not see our sin. He sees us as his own dear children.
The love Jesus has for us (that he gave up his own life for) protects parents and children from feeling that our worth is in our appearance or what other people think of us (e.g., social media). It protects children from the despair of being mocked or not loving themselves. It protects us from pride that makes us judgmental toward others and not able to endure criticism or discipline.
Conversation Starter Using God’s Word About the Wisdom of the Cross:
Read the above verses from 1 Corinthians.
God looks at us through the cross of Jesus. How does knowing God sees you without sin change the way you think about yourself.
What are situations that make you feel not loved by others?
When are the times that you do not love yourself?
How does knowing the truth that you are completely loved by God in Jesus (without earning or deserving it) change how you see yourself?
In what ways can we remind ourselves that we are pure and loved in Jesus?
Tell God about your struggles in feeling valued. Tell him what it means to you that he loves you.